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Elections officials said the race is far from over because 30,000 vote-by-mail and provisional ballots still need to be counted.

Monterey County had the lowest voter turnout on the Central Coast at 26.2 percent. Santa Cruz County had 34.5 percent turnout, and San Benito County had 37.0 percent.

While watching polling numbers with a large crowd of supporters late Tuesday night, Miller said Monterey County will suffer if he loses.

"If I don't win, then I feel sorry for the people of Monterey County because they'll have a sheriff that has no understanding of the job and who has been very unethical during the campaign," Miller said.

Miller has 31 years of law enforcement experience, including 18 years in executive leadership positions. Bernal has been a deputy for 15 years.

Whoever wins will be running a law enforcement office with an $89 million budget and more than 400 employees.

"This race became about attack ads, about lawsuits, and about campaigning in uniform. A bunch of non-issues. The many great changes we've made in the Sheriff's Office were ignored completely," Miller said.

Bernal said he's proud of his campaign.

"I ran a great campaign. So far the results have shown the fruits of our labor," Bernal said. "I've built a lot of trust with not only the guys I work with but with the community I serve. I believe they see me as a leader."

The Deputy Sheriff's Association backed Bernal.

DSA president Scott Davis said Bernal will be a "breath of fresh air" because he will be willing to work with his deputies.

Davis said Miller's comment about voters was insulting.

"To feel sorry for them is kind of a slap in the face to voters. They were able to hear both sides throughout the entire length of this campaign and they made educated decisions," Davis said.